It’s your weekly OM in the News roundup! All posts include videos and discussion prompts for supply chain and OM classes.

Amazon Wants Convenience Stores To Be More Convenient
As Amazon expands its presence in physical retail, it is also trying to disrupt it. The company is experimenting with a new concept that involves digital cameras, sensors, computers, and phone apps. Read more…

Heated Issue in Sriracha Supply Chain
Tensions now run hot between Sriracha producer Huy Fong Foods and Underwood Ranches, which has long been the largest domestic source of fresh jalapenos for the Southeast Asian sauce. Read more…

Search our archive of hundreds of articles and videos at OM in the News, indexed by textbook chapters and keywords!

As Amazon expands its presence in physical retail, it is also trying to disrupt it.

We all dread checkout lines at the grocery store. To eliminate this bottleneck in the shopping experience, Amazon is experimenting with a new concept that involves digital cameras, sensors, computers, and phone apps. The company’s initial building project has been scaled down from large grocery stores to convenience stores. After several years of research and millions of dollars spent, the project remains at the pilot stage.

In the end, the project may be more about a new, big idea than a store.

It’s your OM in the News roundup! Follow the links to recent posts from our faculty contributors, including thoughtful questions for class discussion.

The focus this time is on Amazon, which is making headlines as it hunts for a second headquarters, opens an automated store, and implements OTS at Whole Foods.

The 20: Amazon HQ2 Finalists
Amazon has narrowed the list of contenders from hundreds of cities down to 20. What factors will be used to make the final decision? That’s anyone’s guess, and the source of much discussion. Read more…

Whole Foods Takes Stock
Whole Foods’ employees are adjusting to Amazon’s inventory management system, Order to Shelf. OTS has highlighted differences in the way their companies manage inventory and suppliers. Read more…

Amazon Go-Go-Go
Its new bricks-and-mortar store has launched, leading to long lines to check out the automated checkout at Amazon Go. The minimally-staffed store is stocked with a variety of meal kits, grocery essentials, and more. Read more…